It is a common warning for numerous people that jointly caring for a dog post-separation is a recipe for trouble. The consensus suggests such situations hinder ex-partners from healing, cause practical headaches, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance for everyone involved. Apparently, as a development worthy of a streaming movie, it can even cause the canine in question to become depressed.
Not to downplay the mental health of our pets – many owners attest to their remarkable empathy. For a masterclass in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. I firmly believe that a dog like Merv, a scruffy terrier type played by the canine actor Gus, would have a hard time coping with divided living arrangements. The idea of basing an entire Christmas romance on such a setup holds water seems debatable at best.Standard Holiday Fare
Honestly, Merv, written by its screenwriters and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be anything more than a light film. This is a holiday release from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. The narrative unfolds as uncomplicated: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna (Zooey Deschanel), realizing that their individual funk is surpassed by their dog's, take a uplifting getaway to a luxury pet hotel. Once there, as expected, they will presumably realize the idea that they are better together. Side characters – played by familiar faces – are crafted as quirky, thinly written, or broadly comic. Visually is reminiscent of a platform's in-house production, with a holiday backdrop that is clearly manufactured – as seen in fake snow clinging to lush pines as North Carolina substitutes for the Northeast.
Where the Film Shines
How these standard ingredients merge into an entertaining watch hinges on the actors' work and one's taste for cinematic comfort food. Regarding the second aspect, Merv hones in on a demographic – the kind who browse regularly for cute animal clips. Audiences receive a plethora of canine-centric sequences. The primary selling point is the dog, and while this leads to some stilted moments between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, a tail-wagging resolution.
The Two-Legged Cast
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, formulaic romance, and outright slapstick, not quite landing a single genre. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the absurd and awkward required by the unusual premise. His performance contains a endearing lack of ego that provides a significant portion of the appeal for this on-the-rocks couple. Her co-star Deschanel, true to her usual style, brings a distinctive offbeat energy that will either resonate with viewers. The character can feel a little too aloof, especially when contrasted against Cox's vulnerable performance. (It should be noted, the canine performer manages flopping and whining – while no the award-winner from Anatomy of a Fall, he's definitely a scene-stealer.)
The film attempts to provide depth to the central romance for scenes without their pet – a bit of a pity, since the title character is undoubtedly the best part of this film designed for charm. Expectedly, it achieves only baseline competence. The cause for their separation would feel more adult and realistic with less exposition and more subtle storytelling. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling precisely what you anticipate. Crafting a story with this canine conflict isn't a bad idea – but it's not exactly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on Prime Video this December.
